Concept 2

Maintain agreement with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns where required.

Core Idea

Agreement follows the grammatical number of the controlling word, even when nearby words try to distract you.

Understanding

Rule: Indefinite pronouns such as "each," "everybody," and "neither" are common ACT traps because they are singular even when they point to many people or things.

Collective nouns are similar. In standard American usage, a group acting as one unit usually takes a singular verb.

Question

Worked Example

Which choice best completes the sentence?

"Each of the safety drills _____ a different exit route."

Select an answer to see the explanation